This article describes noncompliant behavior, discusses its common reasons, and provides insight into the behavior while offering strategies for coping with noncompliant patients. FULL-TEXT PDF DOWNLOAD

In a system not yet up-to-date with the electronic medical record, physicians are often overwhelmed managing laboratory test results. This article offers some techniques for reducing and managing this important aspect of a physician's day. FULL-TEXT PDF DOWNLOAD

Health Systems

Special Feature Update:

Prevention and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity: Toward a Roadmap for Advocacy and Action.Brian Raymond, MPH; Cindy Moon, MA

In August 2003, 47 public and private sector professionals convened for a roundtable discussion to identify priorities to address the epidemic of overweight and obesity. This article is a brief overview of that meeting and its results. FULL-TEXT PDF DOWNLOAD

These excerpts from recent dialogues with members of KP's Interregional Clinician-Patient Communication Leadership Group and The Permanente Medical Group's Communication Consultants focus on the foundation of patient-centered care experience--effective clinician and patient communication in the exam room. FULL-TEXT PDF DOWNLOAD

Historically, the medical industry has not been noted for excellence in customer service. With changing times, the need to address this issue has become more important. This article discusses the Pediatric Department at KP Honolulu's approach to changing the systems to work for the end result: serving patients. FULL-TEXT PDF DOWNLOAD

By empowering staff and by equipping them with effective, reliable tools, leaders give all members of the team an opportunity to realize their full potential. This article explores the KP Honolulu Pediatric Department's experience. FULL-TEXT PDF DOWNLOAD

In response to economic and practical pressures, the KP Orange Medical Service Area commissioned the Optimal Office Practice Support project. This article discusses the goals, processes, products, and learnings from this project. FULL-TEXT PDF DOWNLOAD

CPC Corner: An Overview of Empathy.James T Hardee, MD

Appropriate use of empathy as a communication tool facilitates the clinical interview. This article defines empathy and explores its uses, barriers, and value. FULL-TEXT PDF DOWNLOAD

Physicians as Leaders: What Physicians Can Do to Improve Patient Care and to Enhance Their Everyday Work Experience.Deborah Konitsney, PhD

This article is adapted from a chapter, Focus on the Patient, in the resource guide, Creating the Best Place to Practice: What Physicians Can Do to Improve Patient Care and to Enhance their Everyday Work Experience.FULL-TEXT PDF DOWNLOAD

Abstracts

A Moment in Time

SCPMG Celebrates Its "First 50 Years". Chad Fifer

The year 2003 marks the 50th anniversary of the Southern California Permanente Medical Group. This article gives a brief overview of its history and the celebratory events planned for this year. FULL-TEXT PDF DOWNLOAD

The 60th Anniversary of the Oakland Medical Center reunited a doctor and patient who met in 1941 at the naissance of the Permanente Medical Groups. Their story is detailed here as a reflection of the success of Dr Sidney Garfield's dream.FULL-TEXT PDF DOWNLOAD